Untitled Document

Task force subcommittee begins looking at future
public transit funding options

The Public Transportation Subcommittee of the Governor’s Taskforce for Modernizing Transportation Funding met for the first time Tuesday in Boise. The subcommittee, chaired by David Bennion, is charged with assessing the state’s system of public transportation, identifying needs and making recommendations regarding future funding.

Subcommittee members recognized the local coordination efforts in place and underscored the importance of local decision-making.

“It was great to see the subcommittee understand that Idaho’s system is one that puts local needs and decision-making first,” said Heather Wheeler of CTAI (Community Transportation Association of Idaho). “Based on comments made at this first meeting, I believe the subcommittee’s recommendations will be reflective of the I-way processes that are in place and an understanding that public transportation should be improved in our rural communities as well as our urbanized areas.”

The next meeting of the subcommittee will be April 29 and will focus on needs identification. CTAI will ensure the subcommittee has access to each of the local mobility plans – which already have identified needs and strategies to meet those needs.

“Having this subcommittee in place demonstrates that our efforts to coordinate, partner, improve efficiencies and provide more mobility options are having an impact,” said Wheeler.